SoundCloud Beats Spotify to Major Ticketmaster Integration Deal
SoundCloud and Ticketmaster have announced a comprehensive integration partnership, allowing artists to sell concert tickets directly through the SoundCloud platform. This deal comes as Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino confirms ongoing ticketing discussions with various streaming services, including Spotify.
Key features of the SoundCloud-Ticketmaster partnership:
- Artist Pro profiles can display upcoming shows
- Fans can purchase tickets directly through SoundCloud
- Integration with Ticketmaster's Universe ticketing and marketing platform
- Artists can create events, sell tickets, and share shows within SoundCloud
The partnership builds upon SoundCloud's recent launch of Fan Recognition, which allows artists to identify and highlight their most dedicated listeners, including "first fans" and "top fans" based on streaming volume.
This integration represents a strategic move in the industry's growing focus on superfan monetization, following similar initiatives like Hybe's Weverse platform, which has seen increased payment amounts in Q4 2024 and recently introduced paid digital memberships and direct artist-fan messaging.
While other streaming platforms like Spotify already offer ticket display options through various vendors (including Ticketmaster, AXS, and Eventix), SoundCloud's direct integration with Ticketmaster and Universe creates a more seamless experience for both artists and fans.
SoundCloud has indicated this partnership is "just the beginning," suggesting future expansions and innovations to enhance the platform's capabilities in connecting artists with their audiences through live events.